Upcoming events from Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County feature local winemaker family
Two New Documentaries produced by the Wine History Project Premier in March: The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County is proud to present two documentaries, produced and directed by the Wine History Project in partnership with Partners2Media. The films highlight the life and history of the Dusi family and winemaker Tom Myers. Both films will be released in March at these upcoming events:
Tom Myers Documentary Screening & Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 21, 12pm to 4pm
Castoro Cellars Tasting Room
1315 N Bethel Rd, Templeton, CA 93465
Join the Wine History Project at Castoro Cellars for Vintage Paso Zinfandel Weekend. On Saturday, March 21st from 12-4pm, the Wine History Project will be screening our latest documentary film, featuring Castoro Cellars winemaker Tom Myers. Tom has filled over 180 million bottles of wine in San Luis Obispo County during his 41 harvests.
Throughout the film, Tom shares his insights into the process of winemaking: “The annual cycle comes alive with winemaking. My life is so dictated by the seasons. The transition of fresh grapes to aged wine is remarkable.” The film was produced by Partners2Media.
Donations are $15 and include a tasting flight of Castoro Cellars Zinfandels to enjoy while attendees watch the film. All proceeds will go to the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County to support research, archives, exhibits and collections.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS
Two Showings:
Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30pm: Fremont Theater: 1035 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo
Sunday, March 22 at 4pm: Park Cinemas: 1100 Pine Street, Paso Robles
In partnership with the SLO International Film Festival, the Wine History Project of SLO County will premier their new documentary film, 91 Harvests. The film will be screened Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30pm at the historic Fremont Theater in downtown San Luis Obispo, and Sunday, March 22 at 4pm at the Park Cinemas in downtown Paso Robles.
91 Harvests, the Wine History Project’s most recent documentary film produced by Partners2Media, takes a loving look at four generations of a Paso Robles farming family, the Dusi’s. Famous for growing premium wine grapes which have been sought after by some of California’s top winemakers for decades, their story spans more than 100 years and 91 harvests.
The Wednesday evening event is a double feature and includes the premier of 91 Harvests, as well as the film Full Boar, which is produced by Several Guys. The event is being dubbed as “East Meets West” and will feature wines from J Dusi and Eberle, along with a panel including Wine History Project Director Libbie Agran and Film Producers Tim Clott and Noel Resnick, members of the Dusi family, and will be moderated by Adam Montiel of the Cork Dorks. Tickets are available on the SLO Film Fest website at: slofilmfest.org
WATCH THE TRAILER FOR 91 HARVESTS HERE
This event is co-sponsored by: Wine History Project of SLO County, JDusi Wines, and the SLO International Film Festival.
Two New Prohibition Exhibits in Paso Robles: In commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of Prohibition on January 17, 1920, the Wine History Project has opened two new exhibits in Paso Robles. The first exhibit “Temperance, Teetotalers and Taboo” features the history and movement of temperance groups, abstinence pledges and pre-prohibition restaurants and is currently open at the Paso Robles Historical Society. The second, “Grape Expectations: Break Their Hearts…and Have No Mercy”, showcases the California wine industry just before Prohibition, how the industry survived Prohibition, and the many uses of grapes during the era. The exhibit is now open at the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum.
CURRENT EXHIBITS:
Claiborne & Churchill: The exhibit features the story of Clay Thompson and Fredericka Churchill and their passion for Alsatian wines which brought them to the Edna Valley in 1981. Open daily and located in the garden area of Claiborne & Churchill tasting room, located at 2649 Carpenter Canyon Road in Edna Valley.
Dusi Family Zinfandel Grape Growers: Featuring the five generations of the Dusi family planting, growing, farming and harvesting grapes in Paso Robles from 1925 to present. Open daily at J Dusi tasting room located at 1401 California 46 West in Paso Robles. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Dusi Family.
Mysteries & Characteristics of Zinfandel: The exhibit features the journey of the Zinfandel grape from Georgia and Croatia to San Luis Obispo County, and how it has become the Heritage Grape of the Golden State. The exhibit is available to view at two locations:
Saucelito Canyon Tasting Room, located at 3080 Biddle Ranch Road in San Luis Obispo, open daily from 10am-5pm. CLICK HERE for more information.
Turley Wine Cellars Tasting Room, located at 2900 Vineyard Drive, Templeton, CA 93465. The tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. CLICK HERE for more information.
40 Years of Winemaking: Eberle Firsts Exhibit at Eberle Winery in Paso Robles: The exhibit is available to view at Eberle tasting room, open daily and located at 3810 California 46 East in Paso Robles.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Join the Wine History Project at these upcoming events:
World of Pinot Noir: March 6-7 at the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara: Join the Wine History Project as we honor the 20th Anniversary and founders of World of Pinot Noir. The Wine History Project team will be at the welcome desk selling the Archie McLaren book throughout the event weekend.
San Luis Obispo International FilmFestival: March 17-22nd: Join the Wine History Project at two film screening events:
Wednesday, March 18th at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo for a double feature of 91 Harvests and Full Boar.
Sunday, March 22nd at the Park Cinemas in downtown Paso Robles for 91 Harvests.
Vintage PasoZinfandel Weekend: March 20-22: Toast California’s Heritage Grape and learn more about Zinfandel with the Wine History Project. Join the Wine History Project on Friday, March 20th at the Z After Party at the Allegretto Hotel in Paso Robles and learn more about California’s Heritage Grape, Zinfandel, with new exhibits on display during the event.
Palm Desert Food& Wine Festival: March 27-29: Meet us in sunny Palm Desert for this food and wine experience. We’ll be hosting two seminars and twelve wineries from Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Coast.
COLLECTIONS:
Protective Service Membership Signs
In the 1920s, the formation of associations and co-ops was widespread in America. Many voluntary citizen cooperatives banded together to solve the problems of crime and lobbying for legislation. Agricultural publishing organizations created membership groups that kept farmers informed and connected them with a larger community. Each member received a membership certificate and a metal sign to post on their property. These signs were used as security “insurance” for member farms and seen as a way to wage “war on rural crime.” Read more about the Protective Service Membership signs here: winehistoryproject.org/protective-service-membership-signs
WINE INDUSTRY LEGENDS:
Larry Shupnick
A maven in the art of hospitality, Larry Shupnick is a leader in hotel management and ownership. Since the 1970s, he has been a tireless promoter of local food and wines in San Luis Obispo County, investing in new restaurants and wineries, introducing local winemakers to the finest winery owners and chefs in the world; his friendships, collaborations, and networks raised the quality of local wines and cuisine to new heights. He was the co-founder of the KCBX Wine Classic and founder of the San Luis Bay Food and Wine Society and the local chapter of Confrérie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs. He was the 2018 recipient of the Robert Mondavi Food and Wine Award. Read more about Larry Shupnick here: winehistoryproject.org/larry-shupnick
Wine History Project Becomes Non-Profit Organization: The Wine History Project has applied for nonprofit status and is seeking donors to support research and educational projects:
● Prohibition Exhibits highlighting San Luis Obispo County History to be shown in multiple locations throughout the County in 2020.
● Exhibit on HMR Winery (Stanley Hoffman) and Andre Tchelishtchef impact on San Luis Obispo County in 1960s and 1970s.
● Exhibit on the first Edna Valley wine growers and producers in the 1970s.
● Research on the impact of home winemaking on the wine industry in San Luis Obispo County.
● Research on the rise of wine competitions at California Fairs in the 1880s.
● Research and writing of the book on the Wine History of San Luis Obispo County
● Recording and archiving the oral histories of wine growers and producers in San Luis Obispo County
● Preparing the legends and historic timelines of San Luis Obispo County featured on our website.
● Expanding the database of archived photos, files and historical documents related to San Luis Obispo wine history.
● Building our historic collections of wine tools, winemaking equipment, historic San Luis Obispo County wines, photographs, wine books and scientific instruments.
● Filming documentaries on growers and winemakers in San Luis Obispo County.
● Designing wine history tours in San Luis Obispo County.
Benefits to contributors include invitations to two Wine History Project events each year, including educational lectures, guest speakers and wine tastings, invitation to previews of exhibits, access to archives and records obtained by Wine History Project, exclusive discounts to events, and educational opportunities along with docent-lead wine history tours throughout San Luis Obispo County. To become a contributor to the Wine History Project, please contact Heather Muran at heather@winehistoryproject.org or 805-458-9016. Our mailing address is 3592 Broad Street, Office 104, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
About the Wine History Project
The Wine History Project was established in 2015 to study the land, microclimates, grape varieties, growers and winemakers who have shaped the wine history of San Luis Obispo County. Today the Wine History Project is staffed by historians and museum professionals who collaborate with a diverse group of advisers andfounders. We continue to document and preserve the unique wine and food history of San Luis Obispo County.
Central to our research is the process of interviewing growers and winemakers who have shaped the wine history of SLO County. It is through these relationships that we build upon the story of wine in our county while collecting and archiving historical photographs, documents, videography, and recordings to preserve their history.
The Wine History Project has been funded by several generous wine history-loving contributors for the past four years but we need your help to expand our research and preserve the history of San Luis Obispo County. We have received funding to build our research staff, our collections, archives, and educational exhibits. Our county is now in the national and international spotlight. We plan to expand our educational programs and exhibits throughout San Luis Obispo County.
